Meeting with Annette Gibbs

Annette Gibbs visited NC A&T State University this Wednesday afternoon to share some knowledge with students on her career. Gibbs, a Greensboro native, is a public relations manager for Disney.

Students were eager to hear Gibbs on how the public relations industry works, as well as the years of experience she has. Gibbs first explained how she got to the position she is in now. Gibbs attended the University of Maryland in College Park. She worked her first internship the summer before becoming a sophomore. Gibbs didn't advise internships that early, but said it did teach her many lessons. For a part-time summer job she worked for one of the top radio stations in Washington D.C.

From there Gibbs gained experience by working at places such as the news department at BET, and the PBS station in Maryland. Gibbs then settled into a job as news anchor and reporter for a while. Gibbs remembered being tired of the reporting the same stories. She felt she needed to transition from television into a different field.

Gibbs decided to attend an NABJ, National Association of Black Journalists, conference to meet with some big agents for a new job. On the way to meet the agents, Gibbs stopped to by a Disney exhibit where she met a young lady and started conversation. The woman suggested she talk with a Disney representative for a job after an engaging talk with Gibbs. Gibbs talked with her but didn't pay much attention to it, so she later met with the agents.

Months later, Gibbs was called back for an opportunity to apply for the position at Disney. Two telephone interviews, and nine interviews in-person interviews later, Gibbs was now working as a PR Manager at Disney.

Gibbs career has taken her to places such as Disneyland Paris and Hong-Kong Disneyland. She worked with Disney Pictures on the first African-American Disney princess movie, “Princess and the Frog”. Gibbs manages relations with many broadcasts companies and works on new projects with her team.

One very prized program to her is the Dreamers Academy of Disney. This program started from the multi-cultural marketing brand team of Disney to bring hopes and dreams to minority students. It is of Gibbs own personal interest to tap into the African-American market.

Gibbs says her career has been a “thoroughly enjoyed transition,” as she went from working for herself to working with a team. Gibbs urges students to network as much as possible and take opportunities that will build up a resume. Gibbs said we are our “best or worst salesperson,” so one has to communicate concisely. Students and faculty enjoyed the words of encouragement and knowledge from Annette Gibbs.